In 2026, the United States of America will be commemorating and celebrating the 250^th year of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  Collectively, this Semiquincentennial is being referred to nationally as America 250.

In 2019, the State of Tennessee created the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial by an Act of Legislation.  The State Commission is comprised of members of the Tennessee General Assembly, the State Historian, the State Librarian, the State Commissioner for Tourism, the heads of the Tennessee State Museum, Tennessee Historical Commission, Tennessee Historical Society, and East Tennessee Historical Society and the State Regents for the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution.  As of 2024, the Commission is administratively attached to the Tennessee State Museum.  This is a 12-month contracted position through the Tennessee State Museum and is not eligible for state benefits. The contract is eligible to be renewed through June 30, 2027.

The mission of the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial is: to promote an inclusive statewide celebration and educational commemoration of America’s 250th by interpreting and preserving Tennessee’s unique stories, objects, landmarks, and places across our diverse state that defined who we are as Tennesseans and Americans.

The vision of the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial is: to have a statewide focus on Tennesseans and Tennessee events that have shaped American democracy from the Revolutionary era to the present.  To accomplish this, the Commission has developed a plan focused on community grants, educational initiatives, marketing, and signature programs.

The Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial seeks a coordinator to develop and implement strategic initiatives for the Commission including:

• Coordinates and directs activities for the Tennessee 250th Commission including its statewide strategic programs and projects related to the commemoration;
• Tracks expenditures of the Commission with regular reporting to the Commission;
• Works with State Museum administrative staff on budget;
• Works to partner with state heritage organizations, museums, historic sites, federal, state, and local government agencies, and universities to carry out commission’s activities, programs, and projects;
• Liaises with State Museum staff as needed to execute Commission activities;
• May supervise student interns from higher education institutions;
• Follows state policies and procedures as a third-party contractor;
• Extends knowledge of history through research, scholarship, presentations, networking, and collaboration for America 250;
• Upholds professional standards to interpret Tennessee history, art, and culture;
• Represents the efforts of the Commission within the community.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERTISE:

1. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree and advanced degree in history or public history plus three years professional experience equivalent in history, historic site administration, and/or museum administration.
2. Demonstrated strengths in 18th century United States history, southern history, and/or Tennessee history.
3. Must be willing to move to Nashville area and work from Tennessee State Museum. Supervised by the Executive Director of the Tennessee State Museum and/or the director’s designated staff members.
4. Ability and willingness to travel statewide to carry out job responsibilities.
5. Written and oral communication skills with the ability to engage and lead.
6. Excellent organizational skills specific to project management and planning.
7. Experience with and a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively.
8. Ability to exercise independent judgment related to significant projects and timely decision-making.
9. Ability to think quickly and work well with deadlines.
10. A high standard of professional and ethical conduct, integrity, and accountability; demonstrated knowledge of industry best practices.
11. Complete a background clearance application which includes releasing all records involving any criminal history and a valid motor vehicle operator’s license is required.

The Salary Range for this position is $45,000 – $60,000 and is based on experience.

To apply for this position, submit cover letter and resume to

Sabrina Hooper at [email protected]